- Young Hammer Vashon Neufville has signed his first professional contract with the Club
- The 17-year-old broke into West Ham’s U21 squad last season
- The youngster has high hopes and ambitions for the coming campaign
The 17-year-old, who joined the Hammers from Chelsea as an U11, has been an integral member of the Club’s U18 squad over the last two seasons, and also made eight appearances for the Development Squad last campaign as a 16-year-old.
Playing a part as Terry Westley’s men lifted the U21 Premier League Cup, Neufville impressed and is keen to make even more of an impact this season.
He said: “I’m so glad to sign the contract and I can’t wait to carry on [next season]. Last season was good because I was pushing myself.
“The season before that and this year I was playing U18s football so it was good to get a feel of a new challenge playing U21 football.
“It was a great achievement for the team last season [to reach the U21 Cup final] and it was a fantastic experience for all of us.”
Neufville – a left-back who likes to attack – also has international experience, having represented England at U16 and U17 levels.
He sees the coming season, as West Ham United move into their stunning new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as a campaign in which he can push on to make his mark.
“Next season, I want to stay consistently with the U21 squad,” he continued. “It would also be great to get a couple of appearances or be on the bench for the first team.
“Other players who have done that are great inspirations to me, because it just shows that all of us will get a chance if we’re working as hard as we can.
“There seems to be a real pathway to the first team for younger players, and that’s why I’m glad to sign my first pro contract here.”